Scene Safety and Real Patients

I have decided to temporarily convert the purpose of blogging from "inspirational" thoughts to "here is what is going on" because I know I am having issues staying in contact with people while trying to do med school. So my hope is that I can keep the people who love me up to date with what's going on in my life.

So here we go.

Medical school started July 30. The first 6 weeks we were trained as EMT's. A course that usually takes several months was slammed into 6 weeks. This was TIRING. But I think it gave my class some really excellent memories together. I believe this season of our education gave us an incredibly unique perspective. We were able to be in the homes of our patients- be with them on their turf. I feel so much like a part of this community and part of the health care team. Sure, we are medical students. We have years until we get to be doctors. But we are already giving a service to our community. It is a humbling experience- being entrusted with any part of a patient's health care. I love my medical school. So after lots of reading, lots of critical fails, lots of awkward moments, lots of ride time, and a couple of tests, I am now an EMT. We will ride 1 12hr shift every month throughout the first 2 years of medical school.

We are now in our 3rd week of "normal" med school. I feel certain this is not normal. haha. Our school is implementing some serious curriculum changes compared to traditional medical school curricula. This is a time of transition for all of us as we figure out exactly what "student-centered learning" means and figure out how to read 22 chapters of biochemistry in a week. WHAT?!

My med school is not all about books and lectures. We are about patients and learning how to be great doctors- not book worms. We have had interactions with parents of Down syndrome kids and breast cancer survivors. We have had to deliver bad news to patients and gather all sorts of patient information. Multiple times every week we are reminded that we are here for people- not for grades, not for prestige, not for money.

I don't want to be anywhere other than where I am right now.

Today I will have my first experience with a "real patient" as a "doctor". I am going to the medicine clinic to gather a full patient history and complete an interview. It's a little nerve-wracking, but I'm pretty sure I have the most supportive preceptor ever. I'll let you know how it goes.

The passion on this campus is contagious. Our faculty are awesome. This season of life is HARD. But it is an honor not just to be in medical school but to be in THIS medical school. I strive to remember this when I'm crying over my biochemistry book that seems to be written in a different language :)